We saw him in concert a couple of times just prior to the pandemic, and he was as great as always and seemed at least 25 years younger than his age. Wouldn’t be surprised if he found a way to come out of retirement and play again occasionally, unless his health has taken a serious downturn in the last year or so.
PS – I looked up this story and found that he is leaving open the possibility of doing the occasional guest concert appearance. Not surprised. We’re friends with a great trombonist who has his own jazz big band that he still plays with, and they recently played a gig to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Good documentary on him on PBS’s American Masters. That made it clear he lives for performing and teaching.
Wow. He outlived Tommy Newsome, who was born 2 years after him.
We saw him in concert a couple of times just prior to the pandemic, and he was as great as always and seemed at least 25 years younger than his age. Wouldn’t be surprised if he found a way to come out of retirement and play again occasionally, unless his health has taken a serious downturn in the last year or so.
PS – I looked up this story and found that he is leaving open the possibility of doing the occasional guest concert appearance. Not surprised. We’re friends with a great trombonist who has his own jazz big band that he still plays with, and they recently played a gig to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Good documentary on him on PBS’s American Masters. That made it clear he lives for performing and teaching.
Wow. He outlived Tommy Newsome, who was born 2 years after him.